Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh government today decided to provide Rs 5,000 to poor children studying in unaided recognised private schools for uniform and books.

The decision to this effect was made at state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. As per the order, poor children of unaided recognised private schools will be given Rs five thousand (one time) for purchasing uniform and books.

The children of private schools will also be benefited like students of government schools, an official spokesman said, adding, over 16,000 students would be benefited with the scheme.

It would cost about Rs 8 crore to the state exchequer for financial year 2016-2017, he said.Besides, the cabinet also decided to the increase pension of renowned artisans from Rs 1000 per month to Rs 2000 per month.

The cabinet also gave its consent for a proposal to provide subsidised seeds to farmers in 10 districts including seven districts of Bundelkhand. The government also increased retainership fees of chief standing counsel, government counsel and additional chief standing counsel.